As the Bard of Mudville, Walter McClennen, poetically described, the roads in Mudville have been regraded, new drainage added, and a binder coat of asphalt laid down.  This has brought joy to Mudville for residents who have had weeks of shaking and beeping.

Below are several views of the new smooth road surface – with just a hint of dampness.

Above, from the corner of Pleasant and Union – left looking up Pleasant; right looking down Union towards School.

The new storm drains already are collecting water and stuff (left).  Right, looking up School to Mechanic.

At the corner of Exchange and Mechanic. Left, looking down Exchange; right, looking up Mechanic toward school.  (Joanne Hulbert claims she is in “Upper Mudville” at her home on Mechanic – this view shows just how high that is.)

This phase of the project is now complete.  Below is an excerpt from the most recent project update that outlines how and when the next steps and completion should take place.

“The preliminary schedule for Spring 2022 is to install granite curbing in late April or early May or as soon as granite curbing is delivered. Once granite curbing is installed on both sides, the existing sidewalks will be removed, and new sidewalks will be constructed. After sidewalks are constructed and driveways are transitioned, wheelchair ramps will be poured, and all disturbed lawns will be restored.

As part of this Project, a number of utility poles must be relocated by Verizon and Eversource. For this reason, final completion of this Project will depend upon timely completion of poles relocation. It is the intent of this Project to complete as much of the improvements to the extent possible. Once poles relocation is complete, the Contractor will be back to complete the Project. The final tasks will be to raise the castings to final roadway grades and place the pavement top course or final layer.”

Of course, what this means is the vibrating and beeping will return to Mudville in the Spring of 2022. Like the return of the songbirds, something to look forward to.

Of note, the smoother pavement seems to have caused some drivers to increase speed as they transit the new improved streets. Just a reminder . . .